Honoring 198 Years of Impact: A Tribute to the Black Press Movement

Continuing to ‘Plead Our Cause,’ One Story at a Time Recently, the Black Press convened in the District to commemorate the 198th anniversary of African American media and to discuss strategies to secure its future for the next two centuries. Originating from modest beginnings, the Black Press, represented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), has expanded from New York’s Freedom’s Journal, launched on March 16, 1827, to an impressive 258 publications across diverse media outlets. On Black Press Day, March 13, NNPA President and CEO Benjamin Chavis Jr. spoke at Howard University, underscoring the necessity of authentic journalism that delivers factual news. “The Black Press has consistently championed freedom, justice, and empowerment,” Chavis asserted. He highlighted the ongoing threat of white supremacy, emphasizing the Black Press’s role in advocating for marginalized communities. The festivities continued on March 16, coinciding with Freedom’s Journal’s inaugural date. Hosted alongside The Washington Informer and other esteemed organizations, this celebration reignited the mission of truth-telling amidst today's challenges.